Cambodian PM urges police to intensify crackdown on cyber scam industry

The PM said cyber-crimes, online scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terror acts, and cross-border crimes remained a concern for the world, including Cambodia. Read further on Dynamite News:

Phnom Penh: Amid reports of the multi-billion dollar cyber scam industry spreading its tentacles into Cambodia, the country's Prime Minister Hun Manet on Friday urged police to ramp up efforts to combat all forms of crime, including cyber-crimes, in order to ensure security, social safety, and public order.

In a speech during the celebration of the 80th founding anniversary of the National Police, held at the Police Academy of Cambodia in southern Kandal province, Hun Manet praised the countless achievements of the National Police, saying that police officers are the good guardians of the nation and people.

The PM said cyber-crimes, online scams, drug trafficking, human trafficking, terror acts, and cross-border crimes remained a concern for the world, including Cambodia.

"I urge our police officers to step up efforts to prevent terrorism, transnational crimes, and all forms of other crimes to ensure national security and social safety," he said.

"I have great hope and strong confidence in the patriotic spirit, love for the homeland and loyalty of all our National Police officers," Hun Manet said.

He expressed satisfaction with their efforts and pledged continued support, both in spirit and resources, to ensure the police remain a high-quality and effective law enforcement force.

According to the National Police, in 2024, Cambodia deported 5,852 foreigners to their birth countries for various offences, arrested 273 suspects in human trafficking and sexual exploitation cases, and detained 26,033 drug-related suspects.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), criminal networks have emerged in Southeast Asia in recent years, opening sprawling compounds housing tens of thousands of workers, many trafficked and forced to scam victims around the world. This has evolved into a sophisticated global industry UNODC said.

Raids in parts of Cambodia where the cyber scam industry is most visible “led to significant expansion in more remote locations”, including the country’s western Koh Kong province, as well as areas bordering Thailand and Vietnam, the UN agency said in a recent report.

Cambodian government spokesman Pen Bona said the country is among the victims of the cyberfraud industry and is committed to fighting it.

The government recently established an ad-hoc commission chaired by Prime Minister Hun Manet to address the issue by strengthening law enforcement, developing a legislative framework and increasing collaboration with partner nations and the UN, he said.